Cotswolds

Cotswolds is a rural area of south central England covering parts of 6 counties, notably Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. Its rolling hills and grassland harbour thatched medieval villages, churches and stately homes built of distinctive local yellow limestone. The 102-mile Cotswold Way walking trail follows the Cotswold Edge escarpment from Bath in the south to Chipping Campden in the north.

Geography

The Cotswolds area, which is defined by the bedrock of Jurassic limestone, creates a type of grassland habitat rare in the UK and that is rich in wildlife. Some of the most beautiful towns and villages of England are found here. The hills give their name to the Cotswold local-government district in Gloucestershire, which administers a large part of the area.

History

The area is known for its rich history dating back to the Roman times. There are Roman villas, ancient stone circles, and historic buildings that add to the charm of the area. The Cotswolds were designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966, with an expansion on 21 December 1990 to 1,990 square kilometers.

Tourism

Tourism plays a significant part in the economy of the Cotswolds. Visitors are attracted to the towns and villages by the beautiful scenery, historic sites, and the tranquility of the area. The Cotswold Way is a long-distance walking route that runs for over 100 miles, providing walkers with stunning scenery and a taste of the Cotswolds' heritage.

See Also

• Gloucestershire
• Oxfordshire
• Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Cotswold Way

References

Cotswolds Resources
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